SCLAA and LAA National Presidents confirm they are talking about reuniting their organisations but it is still a way off
By Anna Game-Lopata | January 9, 2013
Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) and Logistics Association of Australia (LAA) National Presidents David Rogers and Mike Owen respectively have confirmed they are talking.
But the two organisations today issued a joint statement to clarify that they are not yet ready to re-unite.
The statement follows SupplyChain Review’s website report yesterday which was distributed in the leading industry title’s twice-weekly newsletter Chainmail.
Rogers, who was
approached on Monday
by SupplyChain Review for comment on the claims from anonymous industry sources about the progress of the merger, was unable to be contacted until after print deadline.
“The SCLAA and LAA confirm that they are in discussion to explore the formation of a single supply chain and logistics organisation to meet the growing needs of practitioners and professionals in Australia,” Rogers and Owen’s statement reads.
“Discussions have been constructive to date, but no proposal has yet been taken to our respective memberships who will have the final say in any future arrangement.
“The discussions are subject to a Confidentiality Agreement and no further comment will be made at this time.”
The two organisations, which started life as one, split in 2006 over personality clashes and accusations from some that the group was too “Sydney Centric”.
The industy widely agrees the split should never have happened and has placed consistent pressure on the organisations to end the duplication and confusion which resulted.
Australia’s Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics (CILTA) National Chairman Andrew Stewart adds
his organisation is in a period of negotiation with SCLAA for the coordination of events to gain a better quality experience for members for both organisations.
“CILTA has been informed that SCLAA is also negotiating this with another organisation,” Stewart says.
“CILTA is experiencing membership growth, our financial membership at December 2012 had shown a 5 percent
rise in financial members, which continues through a period of vigorous growth.
“CILTA continues to look for improved services and offerings to benefit its members in Australia and as part of a global transport and logistics organisation.”